Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

I only have one word for this dish DELICIOUS! Plus it was done from start to finish in 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal. Next time I make this meal and there most definitely will be a next time, I will be doubling the recipe so I can enjoy it for more than one night.

Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
• 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 7 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving some of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
3. Season the chicken breasts with black pepper and add to the hot oil. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until completely cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest for about 5 minutes then cut into bite sized pieces.
4. Increase the heat to high and in the same skillet add the minced garlic, lime juice and chicken broth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the chicken broth has reduced a bit. Make sure the garlic does not burn and if needed reduce the heat to prevent the garlic from burning.
5. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and immediately stir in the cheese until it melts. Remove from the heat.
7. Add the pasta to the sauce and mix. Add in the chicken and bacon, stirring to mix. Top with 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 632
Total Fat		31.4g
Saturated Fat		12.8g
Polyunsaturated Fat		1.2g
Monounsaturated Fat		9.3g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		94.4g
Sodium		601.6g
Potassium		49.4g
Total Carbohydrates		46.1g
Dietary Fiber		2.1g
Sugars		5.3g
Protein		43.1g
Vitamin A 27.2% Vitamin C 16.7%
Calcium 18.2% Iron 15.8%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Julia's Album.